PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
PCOS is an abbreviation for polycystic ovary syndrome, and is a hormonal disorder that causes a woman's hormones to become unbalanced. The condition can cause a number of symptoms and ailments, such as fertility problems due to infrequent or absent ovulation. Fortunately, there are good treatment options for PCOS. At Medicus, you will receive a thorough examination by our experienced gynecologists who will find the best treatment method for you, regardless of whether you want to get pregnant or not.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of childbearing age. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms and complaints, including irregular menstrual cycles, overproduction of male hormones (androgens), and the presence of many small, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. The reason why some women are affected is still unclear, but heredity is a factor that may play a role.
Symptoms of PCOS
The most common symptoms and consequences may be:
- Irregular or absent menstruation.
- Excess hair growth (hirsutism) and acne due to increased levels of male hormones.
- Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and increased body weight or difficulty losing weight.
- Fertility problems due to infrequent or absent ovulation.
PCOS and pregnancy
PCOS is unfortunately a disease that can lead to fertility problems, which means it affects your ability to get pregnant. The reason for this is that the disease affects the woman's hormones, which can lead to ovulation disorders, which means that you have infrequent or absent ovulation. If the woman wants to get pregnant, it is therefore important to have an individualized treatment, which aims to increase the chance of getting pregnant and to reduce the risk in the subsequent pregnancy.
How to detect PCOS?
An examination by a gynecologist usually involves:
- A review of your history.
- Hormone tests (blood test) where you have gone at least 3 months without taking birth control pills.
- Examination of the ovaries with ultrasound
Before diagnosing PCOS, it is important to exclude any other causes of the symptoms. To be diagnosed, two of three criteria must be met, without another cause being found:
- Cycle length over 35 days
- Too much male hormones (shown through hormone tests and Ferriman-Gallway-Score).
- Typical PCOS ovaries revealed on ultrasound
After the diagnosis is made, it is important to have individualized treatment, depending on the subtype of PCOS.
How to treat PCOS?
The treatment of PCOS depends on whether or not you want to get pregnant. If not, it is important to treat the various symptoms you are experiencing and reduce any risks to your future health. It is important to remember that PCOS can vary significantly from person to person, and treatment is often tailored to the individual based on symptoms. Regular follow-up with a doctor or specialist is important for women suffering from PCOS.
Treatment if you want to get pregnant
If you have PCOS and want to have children, you may need help getting pregnant. If all other factors are in order, the first step is to normalize your menstrual cycle so that you ovulate regularly. In other cases, IVF treatment may be necessary. Which type of treatment is best for you depends on an individual assessment of your condition. Our experienced gynecologists will find the best treatment method for you!
Book an appointment for an examination
Book an appointment with one of our experienced gynecologists to receive a thorough examination and advice on the way forward, regardless of whether you want to get pregnant now or later in life or whether you are unsure whether you have PCOS.
Our team of gynecologists has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of PCOS, including both clinical and scientific expertise.
